Fibroids are common, and very treatable.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in or on the uterus. Many women never know they have them, while others live with heavy periods, pain or pressure. Whatever your symptoms, we’ll help you find the option that fits your life and your plans.
- How common Most women by age 50
- Cancer? Almost always noncancerous
- Main symptom Heavy or long periods
- Treatment From watchful waiting to surgery
Growths in the muscle of the uterus
Fibroids can be as small as a seed or as large as a grapefruit, and you can have one or many. They are most common in your 30s and 40s. Where a fibroid grows affects the symptoms it causes.
Intramural
Grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. This is the most common type.
Subserosal
Grow on the outside of the uterus and can press on the bladder, bowel or back.
Submucosal
Grow into the inside of the uterus. These are most likely to cause heavy bleeding and fertility problems.
Signs you may have fibroids
Many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Heavy or long periods Soaking through pads or tampons quickly, passing large clots, or periods lasting more than a week.
- Bleeding between periods Spotting or bleeding when you’re not expecting it.
- Pelvic pressure or fullness A heavy feeling in your lower belly, or a belly that looks larger.
- Frequent urination or constipation When fibroids press on your bladder or bowel.
- Back or leg pain Pain that comes from pressure on nerves and muscles.
- Pain during sex Discomfort that may depend on position or the size of the fibroids.
- Tiredness Heavy bleeding can lead to anemia, leaving you weak, dizzy or short of breath.
- Trouble getting pregnant Some fibroids can affect fertility or pregnancy.
Your visit, step by step
Fibroids are often found during a routine exam or ultrasound. Here is how we confirm them and learn what’s causing your symptoms.
Talk
We review your periods, symptoms, health history and your plans for pregnancy.
Exam
A pelvic exam can show if your uterus is larger or shaped differently than usual.
Imaging
An ultrasound shows the size and location of fibroids. Sometimes we recommend a saline ultrasound or MRI.
Blood work
A blood count checks for anemia from heavy bleeding.
Before your visit
A little preparation helps us understand your symptoms faster.
- Track your periods How long they last and how many pads or tampons you use on your heaviest days.
- Note your symptoms Pain, pressure, bathroom changes and how they affect your day.
- List your medicines Including iron, vitamins and anything you take for pain or bleeding.
- Think about your goals Whether you want a pregnancy in the future helps guide your options.
From watchful waiting to lasting relief
The right treatment depends on your symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, how close you are to menopause and whether you want to get pregnant in the future.
Watchful waiting
No symptoms
- Many fibroids don’t need treatment
- We check them at your regular visits
- Fibroids often shrink after menopause
Medicines for bleeding
Symptom relief
- Anti-inflammatory pain relievers ease cramps
- Tranexamic acid can lighten heavy periods
- Iron supplements treat anemia
Hormonal treatment
Control bleeding
- Birth control pills or a hormonal IUD can lighten periods
- GnRH medicines can shrink fibroids or control heavy bleeding
- Medicines treat symptoms but don’t remove fibroids
Hysteroscopic removal
No incisions
- Removes fibroids that grow into the inside of the uterus
- A thin camera is passed through the vagina and cervix
- Most women go home the same day
Myomectomy
Keeps your uterus
- Surgery to remove fibroids while keeping the uterus
- Often a good choice if you want to get pregnant
- Can be done with small incisions in many cases
Other procedures
When others haven’t helped
- Uterine fibroid embolization cuts off the fibroids’ blood supply
- Radiofrequency ablation shrinks fibroids with heat
- A hysterectomy is the only permanent cure, for women who don’t want future pregnancies
Your provider will walk you through the benefits, risks and recovery for each option, so you can choose with confidence.
A decision we make together.
There is no single best treatment for fibroids. We’ll talk through your options and what matters most to you.
We’ll consider:
- How much your symptoms affect your life
- The size, number and location of your fibroids
- Whether you want to get pregnant in the future
- How close you are to menopause
- Your preference for medicine or a procedure
Fibroids and pregnancy
Most women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies. Depending on their size and location, some fibroids can affect fertility or raise the chance of pregnancy complications.
- Plan ahead Talk with us before you start trying
Anemia
Heavy periods can lower your iron and red blood cells, leaving you tired, dizzy or short of breath.
- We check Your blood count and treat low iron
Menopause
Fibroids usually shrink and symptoms often ease after menopause, when hormone levels drop.
- Close to menopause? Waiting may be a good option for you
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question here? Call us at 770-451-3100 and we’ll be glad to help.
Are fibroids cancer?
Almost never. Fibroids are noncancerous growths, and having them does not raise your risk of uterine cancer. Rarely, a growth that looks like a fibroid is cancerous, which is why we keep an eye on any changes.
What causes fibroids?
The exact cause isn’t known. Hormones (estrogen and progesterone) help them grow, and they often run in families. Black women are more likely to have fibroids, often at a younger age.
Do fibroids always need treatment?
No. If fibroids aren’t causing symptoms, we usually just keep an eye on them. Treatment is for symptoms like heavy bleeding, pain or pressure, or if fibroids affect fertility.
Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids?
Yes, many women with fibroids get pregnant. Some fibroids, especially those inside the uterus, can make it harder. If you’re planning a pregnancy, we’ll help you decide whether treatment makes sense first.
Can fibroids come back after treatment?
Yes. New fibroids can grow after medicine is stopped or after fibroids are removed. A hysterectomy is the only treatment that makes sure fibroids won’t return.
When should I call right away?
Call us right away, or go to the emergency room, if you have very heavy bleeding that soaks a pad or tampon every hour for 2 hours or more, sudden severe pelvic pain, or you feel faint or dizzy.
Ready to talk about your options?
Heavy periods and pelvic pressure don’t have to be your normal. Call us to schedule a visit. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
We accept most health insurance plans in Georgia
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Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pmClosed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30